Apparatus and methods for improving batting skills

ABSTRACT

A device and method for training baseball batters how to develop a proper stance and to properly shift weight from the back leg to the front leg during a swing. The portable device includes a series of indicator markers to show proper foot placement, head and navel alignment, and stride extension. The device includes separable sections that may be quickly assembled for easy set-up and disassembled for easy transportation.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/713,158 filed on Aug. 31, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to apparatus and methods for improving the batting skills of a baseball player, and more particularly, to teaching how to develop a proper initial stance and to properly position and shift a batter's weight before and during a swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a baseball, a proper initial stance and controlled weight shift and swing are critical to good batting form. In order to deliver adequate power and control to strike a pitched ball, the batter's weight must be primarily on the batter's trailing foot at the start of the swing, then shifted during the swing at a point during the usual forward stride that will provide contact with the ball from the combined arm swing, wrist snap, and forward body movement. It is necessary that a player not over stride so as not to move his shoulders and his head, thereby avoiding too much body movement which may result in a hitter losing sight of the ball.

Numerous prior art devices have been proposed and are available to train a baseball player proper batting stance, stride, and swing motion. Most such devices involve hand, arm, ankle, and/or leg restraining devices that attempt to teach a batting method through limiting a batter's movement of one or more body parts. Many such prior art devices are so constraining that the user loses concentration on what the proper stance and swing motion are.

Examples of such devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,836 (Kisder) which discloses a brace fastened to a player's body that has an arm and a support for the trailing elbow to keep the elbow up before a swing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,142 (Gillespie, et al.) discloses a strap system that is secured around a batter's torso and is connected to a strap around the bicep of the lead arm to restrain lifting of the lead elbow during a swing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,548 (Upshaw) describes an arm cuff arrangement to limit the space between a batter's arms in the ready position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,978 (Evangelist) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,995 (Gallagher) describe stride-restraining devices (ankle cuffs) that limit a batter's stride during a swing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,856 (Morse) describes a leg/arm cuff arrangement to train a batter to properly shift weight to the front leg at the beginning of a swing. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,420 (Martelli) describes a waist belt to be worn by a batter, with the belt fastened to a rigid structure so that the batter can rotate his hips during a swing, but not bend his forward knee during the swing.

There is a need for a simple apparatus and method to teach proper batting skills that do not require physical restraints or attachment of a device to a batter's body. The present invention satisfies this need by utilizing a convenient, portable device which is placed on the ground in front of a batter to show proper initial stance and how weight should be shifted during a swing to provide improve power and control during a swing. No restraining device is needed for the present invention.

A baseball (or softball) batter in preparing to bat a pitch ball, typically stands sidewise in a batter's box, with his lead arm and elbow poised and his rear arm and shoulder raised to receive the pitch. For the purposes of this invention, “lead leg” or “lead foot” will be understood to mean that leg or foot on the side from which the ball is delivered, e.g., the left leg for a right-handed batter. For best results, the bat is swung horizontally, or tilted slightly downwardly from the horizontal as the bat passes over the plate, while the batter shifts his weight to his leading foot. This results in “tophand” action, i.e., the bat chops slightly downwardly on the ball, which generates more power in the swing. Such batting action may be accomplished, however, only if the batter's lead arm and elbow are properly positioned at all times, and if the batter correspondingly maintains his rear arm and shoulder so as to effectuate proper shifting of his hips and body during the swing.

Many people begin playing baseball at an early age without formal instruction as to proper batting technique. As a result, they often develop bad habits which are difficult to break. This is especially true of the baseball swing, which most people develop without sufficient instruction in the fundamentals (e.g., proper positioning of the feet and body, and proper shifting of the body and hips with the swing).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lightweight, portable training device to assist in training a baseball player in proper hitting techniques according to the methods of the present invention. The present invention will train a batter through the entire swing, including initial coiling and weight transfer through the forward stride and forward shift of body weight through the swing. The present method will also help in developing proper balance and bat control.

There are numerous objects of the present invention, including:

-   -   (i) to provide an improved batting training device that trains a         batter in the proper hitting movement sequence and that adjusts         to the individual stride for individual batters;     -   (ii) to provide a simple, durable, inexpensive, lightweight,         portable batting device, which baseball players may use during         training and/or practice to improve their batting stride;     -   (iii) to provide a training device for baseball hitters which         insures proper starting, follow-through, and finishing positions         in the swing;     -   (iv) to provide and teach proper foot placement, weight         positioning and shifting, and stride work;     -   (v) to provide a training device which results in the hitter         maintaining proper body balance throughout the swing, with the         result that the ball is squarely hit and is hit more often;     -   (vi) to provide a training device which is interchangeable for         batters hitting right-handed or left-handed;     -   (vii) to provide an improved training device which is safe in         use and presents no hazard to the user at any time;     -   (viii) to provide an improved training device which can be         easily fabricated from commercially available with little or no         special tooling or equipment;     -   (ix) to provide an improved training device which is foldable         and may easily be fit in a small, slender bag for easy         transport;     -   (x) to provide a simple apparatus that may be adjustable in size         to fit or be readily modified to accommodate players having         different sizes, stances, and strides; and     -   (xi) to provide a visible indication of the correctness of the         batter's swing, observable by both the batter and the batter's         trainer, enabling immediate adjustments for expedient training.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a batting training device comprising:

-   -   (a) a first rod section having a first end and a second end;     -   (b) a second rod section operably connected at or near the first         end of the first rod section approximately orthogonally to the         first rod section;     -   (c) a first indicator marker on the first rod section between         the first end of the first rod section and the second end of the         first rod section;     -   (d) a second indicator marker on the first rod section for         aligning a batter's lead foot between the first end of the first         rod section and the first indicator marker;     -   (e) a third indicator marker on the first rod section for         aligning a batter's trailing foot between the second end of the         first rod section and the first indicator marker; and     -   (f) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section between         the first indicator marker and the third indicator marker.

In any of the embodiments of the batting training device of the present invention wherein one or more of the first indicator marker, the second indicator marker, the third indicator marker, and the fourth indicator marker are slidably connected to the first rod section.

In any of the embodiments of the batting training device of the present invention further comprising a third rod section operably connected approximately orthogonally to the second rod section at the end of the second rod section opposed to the end of the second rod section operably connected to the first rod section.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a batting training device comprising:

-   -   (a) an axially hollow first rod section having a first end and a         second end;     -   (b) an axially hollow second rod section removably connected at         or near the first end of the first rod section approximately         orthogonally to the first rod section;     -   (c) a first indicator marker on the first rod section between         the first end of the first rod section and the second end of the         first rod section;     -   (d) a second indicator marker on the first rod section for         aligning a batter's lead foot between the first end of the first         rod section and the first indicator marker;     -   (e) a third indicator marker on the first rod section for         aligning a batter's trailing foot between the second end of the         first rod section and the first indicator marker;     -   (f) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section between         the first indicator marker and the third indicator marker; and     -   (g) one or more flexible chords extending through the first rod         section and the second rod section, whereby the first rod         section may be removed from the second rod section for         disassembly and transportation.

In any of the embodiments of the batting training device of the present invention wherein a first indicator marker is an axially hollow third rod section removably connected to the first rod section, and further comprising a flexible chord extending through the first rod section and the third rod section, whereby the third rod section may be removed from the first rod section for disassembly and transportation.

Also disclosed is a method of training a batter to swing a baseball bat comprising:

-   -   (a) positioning a batter having a center of gravity, a lead         foot, and a trailing foot, over a baseball training device         comprising:         -   (i) a first rod section having a first end and a second end;         -   (ii) a second rod section operably connected at or near the             first end of the first rod section approximately             orthogonally to the first rod section;         -   (iii) a first indicator marker on the first rod section             approximately from the first end of the first rod section             and the second end of the first rod section;         -   (iv) a second indicator marker on the first rod section             between the first end of the first rod section and the first             indicator marker;         -   (v) a third indicator marker on the first rod section             between the second end of the first rod section and the             first indicator marker; and         -   (vi) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section             between the first indicator marker and the third indicator             marker;     -   (b) aligning the batter's center of gravity with the first         indicator marker;     -   (c) aligning the batter's lead foot with the second indicator         marker;     -   (d) aligning the batter's trailing foot with the third indicator         marker;     -   (e) beginning a swing at a baseball, wherein the batter's center         of gravity moves backward no further than the fourth indicator         marker; completing the swing wherein batter's lead foot moves no         further than to the second rod section; and     -   (f) completing the swing wherein batter's lead foot moves no         further than to the second rod section.

In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the present invention. This embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be more fully understood, the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a training device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a training device of the present invention relative to home plate.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a baseball batter positioned to use the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the training device of the present invention.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that I do not intend to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, I intend to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

It will be seen that the present invention achieves several objects described above, namely: to show proper initial batting stance position; to provide a visible indication of the correctness of the batter's swing, observable by both the batter and the batter's trainer; to enable immediate adjustments for training; to assist in developing an appropriate, balanced swing with minimal practice; to provide a relatively simple construction which is easy to use and will not intimidate any batter; and to provide an easily fabricated, rugged device capable of reliable performance for many years.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the training device 100 of the present invention. Training device 100 comprises a first rod section 101 which is preferably approximately three feet to five feet in length. Attached, preferably orthogonally, slidably, and rotably, near one end of first rod section 101 is second rod section 103, which is preferably approximately 12 inches to 24 inches long. At the opposing end of second rod section 103 is third rod section 104, which is preferably orthogonally and rotably connected to second rod section 103.

On first rod section 101 and third rod section 104 is a series of indicator markers to be used to position a batter's feet and center of gravity before and during a swing. First indicator marker 105 is preferably placed in approximately the middle of the first rod section 101. First indicator marker 105, as will be explained in more detail later, will be used to position a batter's center of gravity prior to beginning the batter's swing.

Although it is preferable that the first indicator marker 105 is fixedly attached to first rod section 101, first indicator marker 105 may be slidably or otherwise non-fixedly attached to first rod section 101. A fixedly attached first indicator marker 105 may be a section of tape or paint or other mark on first rod section 101. On first rod section 101, between first indicator marker 105 and near where second rod section 103 is attached to first rod section 101, is second indication marker 107. Second indicator marker 107 is used to mark the position of a batter's lead foot 113 prior to the batter beginning a swing. It is preferable that second indicator marker 107 is slidably attached to first rod section 101 so as to adjust to different width of stances depending on the age and size of batter.

Also in FIG. 1 on first rod section 101 is the third indicator marker 109. Third indicator marker 109 is positioned between first indicator marker 105 and the end of first rod section 101 opposite second rod section 103. Third indicator marker 109 is used to mark the position of batter's trailing foot 115 prior to the batter beginning a swing. Like second indicator marker 107, third indicator marker 109 is preferably slidably attached to first rod section 101 to adjust to different with of stances used by different batters.

Additionally, on first rod section 101 is fourth indicator marker 111, which is positioned between first indicator marker 105 and third indicator marker 109. Fourth indicator marker 111 is used to mark the position to which a batter's center of gravity should move no further during a swing. Fifth indicator marker 114 is shown on third rod section 104 and is preferably fixedly attached (as a tape or a paint mark) to third rod section 104. Fifth indicator marker 114 will mark the maximum back step position of batter's lead foot 113 during a swing.

An advantage of the present invention in that it may be constructed from numerous lightweight, inexpensive materials. First rod section 101, second rod second 103, and third rod section 104 may be constructed of materials such as PVC pipe, wooden dowel rods, graphite, or most preferably fiberglass rods. I have found that a fiberglass rod with a diameter of approximately 0.375-inch diameter provides adequate strength, stiffness, and durability, and is the preferred material for the fabrication of a training device 100. Standard or modified PVC, graphite, or fiberglass fittings may be used to connect first rod section 101 to second rod section 103 and second rod section 103 to third rod section 104, and where desired, first indicator marker 105 to first rod section 101. Further description of the fabrication options will be discussed later.

Second indicator marker 107, third indicator marker 109, and fourth indicator marker 111 are preferably slidable sections of PVC, graphite, fiberglass or other materials with a hollow cross-section slightly greater that the outside diameter or largest dimension of first rod section 101 (or third rod section 104) that allows the movement of indicator markers 107, 109, and 111 to adjust to different size and stances of batters. Although it is preferable that indicator markers 107, 109, are 111 are slidably mounted, it is acceptable to have one or more of such indicator markers permanently affixed (such as a tape or paint mark) to first rod section 101 (or third rod section 104).

As stated earlier, first indicator marker 105 is preferably fixedly attached to first rod section 101 at approximately the midpoint of first rod section 101. Although it is preferable that first indicator marker 105 is fixedly attached to first rod section 101, it is acceptable to have first indicator marker 105 slideably or otherwise attached to first rod section 101.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the training device 100 placed in a teaching position relative to home plate 117. It should be noted that first indicator marker 105 is positioned at approximately the mid-point of home plate 117 such that batter's lead foot 113 and trailing foot 115 are in the proper position in the batter's box (not shown) to receive a pitched ball.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic view of batter 300 having lead foot 113 positioned in front of second indicator marker 107 and trailing foot 115 positioned in front of third indicator marker 109. Batter 300 is aligned so that the batter is upright and the batter's navel 301 (representing the batter's center of gravity) around the vertical axis at the ready position (beginning of the swing) is directly in front of first indicator marker 105. Second rod section 103 is positioned in front of the batter's lead foot 113 by approximately two inches to eight inches. This position of second rod section 103 helps teach the batter a proper stride length, while third rod section 104 prevents the batter from lifting batter's lead foot 113 and opening his stance by stepping away from home plate 117 rather than toward the pitched ball.

The method of using training device 100 will now be discussed with referenced to the FIGURES. With training device 100 placed on the ground (as shown in FIG. 3), batter 300 approaches training device 100 and assumes a stance with the batter's 300 lead foot 113 and trailing foot 115 approximately (or slightly greater than) shoulder width apart. With the batter 300 leaning forward toward batting device 100 (so that the weight is on the balls of the batter's 300 feet) so that the weight is comfortably balanced with approximately 50% to 75% of the batter's 300 weight on the batter's 300 trailing foot 115. Training device 100 is then positioned so that first indicator marker 105 is aligned with the batter's 300 navel 301, and batter's head 303, second indicator marker 107 is aligned with batter's leading foot 113, and the third indicator marker 109 should be aligned with the batter's trailing foot 115.

Fourth indicator 111 should then be adjusted to a location approximately one-half way between the first indicator marker 105 and third indicator marker 109. This position of fourth indicator marker 111 represents a mark beyond which a batter should not shift their center of gravity beyond when loading (coiling) and preparing to hit the baseball. Second rod section 103 is then adjusted to be approximately two inches to eight inches beyond second indicator marker 107 to limit over stepping by lead foot 113. Also, second rod section 103 and third rod section 104 are adjusted so that fifth indicator marker 114 is two to four inches beyond (away from lead foot 113) second indicator marker 107. Also, third rod section 104 is adjusted so it is parallel or approximately parallel to first rod section 101.

With reference to FIG. 3, batter 300 stands in batting position over properly adjusted training device 100, batter 300 is ready to use the method of the described invention. It is preferred that batter 300 grips the bat properly by aligning the batter's 300 hands upright and not locking the hands to prevent the bat from rolling over the ball. Locking hands will also prevent full extension of the bat to the ball.

Batter's 300 head should be positioned to clearly see the pitcher by having both eyes level with batter's 300 chin and away from the leading shoulder so as to see the pitcher clearly. When the pitcher is ready to throw the ball, the batter gets ready to “load” or “coil” and steps with the batter's lead foot 113 toward second rod section 103. “Loading” involves slightly pulling the bat back and rotating the hips (clockwise for a batter batting right hand) to receive the pitch. Loading does not require a lot of movement. A quick bat lift and short hip rotation is adequate to give a good swing.

When the pitcher is releasing the pitched ball, batter 300 shifts so that approximately 75% of the batter's weight is on the trailing foot 115 so that his navel does not go past third indicator marker 109. While holding batter's 300 hands slightly over batter's 300 trailing foot 115, batter 300 takes a two inch to four inch step (depending on the size of the batter) toward second rod section 103, but not past fifth indicator marker 114.

As the step is taken forward, batter's 300 weight shifts to the leading foot 113. To maintain balance, the batter should stay on the balls of batter's 300 feet, not on the toes of batter's 300 feet. Batter's 300 chest and navel should stay upright and aligned.

The benefits of the described methods can be further developed through use of a batting tee placed on home plate 117. By properly positioning training device 100 and aligning batter's 300 body, primarily the feet, head, and navel, good rotation and swing may be seen. A batter may develop the swing with a batting tee by taking their normal swing to see how that swing should be adjusted to allow proper weight shift and balance from beginning to end of the swing. From a batting tee, a batter can advance to soft toss and ultimately to thrown batting practice.

It should be noted that third rod section 104 and fifth indicator marker 114, although preferred, are not critical to use of the present invention. By simply moving second rod section 103 closer to second indicator marker 107 (within two inches to four inches of second indicator marker 107), second rod section 103 will prevent an over stride by batter's lead foot 113.

The examples given herein are reference to a batter batting right-handed. It is seen that training device 100 may be turned over for use by a batter batting left handed.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of training device 400 comprised of multiple sections that allow for easy assembly and disassembly and transportation. A feature shown in FIG. 4 is that all rod sections of training device 400 are kept together to prevent loss. FIG. 4 shows multiple rod and connector sections that are held together by a flexible chord. Each rod section of training device 400 is preferably an axially hollow tubular section approximately 0.375 inch to 1.500 inches in diameter through which chord 427 is threaded. As previously mentioned, the training devices of the present inventions may be fabricated from PVC, fiberglass, graphite, wood, or other preferably tubular materials.

In a preferred embodiment, first rod section 401 may be operably connected to second rod section 403 via connector 409. Connector 409 is simply a connector capable of operably joining second rod section 403 with first rod section 401. It has been found that friction fittings perform well at each location where a connector is used to join a section together. It is preferable that connector 409 be fixedly attached to second rod section 403 as shown in FIG. 4, but connector 409 may be fixedly attached to first rod section 401. Connector 409 may also be used to connect fourth rod section 413 to second rod section 403. It should be recognized that fourth rod section 413 is the equivalent of and may serve as the first indicator marker as shown in earlier FIGURES. Also shown are first indicator marker 417, second indicator marker 419, third indicator marker 421, fourth indicator marker 423, and fifth indicator marker 425.

Connector 411 is slidably connected to second rod section 403 with a fitting to allow connection 411 to join second rod section 403 with third rod section 405. Additional connector 415 is at the opposing end of third rod section 405, preferably fixed attached to third rod section 405 and capable of receiving fourth rod section 407. Connector 415 and fourth rod section 407 are preferred, however, they are not critical to the use of the present invention.

Through the center of rod sections 401, 403, 405, 407, and 413 and connectors 409, 411, and 415, one or more stretchable chords 427 are threaded. The chord 427 is a band or string that should be flexible, stretchable enough to allow each section to be removed from the respective connectors, yet strong enough to hold the section in place during use of training device 400. Chord 427 may be of any elastic, stretchable material such as rubber or any bungee chord type material. Chord 427 is inserted and stretched so that chord 427 seeks to pull the rod sections together into the connectors and hold the present embodiment of the invention together. By pulling the rod sections apart, chord 427 allows the separated sections to be pulled apart and folded back and easily carried as one piece.

The described chord arrangement allows the training device 400 to be easily assembled at a practice location and easily disassembled so as to take up a minimum amount of room and easily transportable in the backseat or trunk of any vehicle.

Hereinbefore has been disclosed an inexpensive simple method for training hitters during training and batting sessions to maintain a stride which is no more than two to four inches longer than the player's conventional stance. It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials, arrangement of parts and operating conditions which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principles and scope of the present invention.

Thus, it can be seen that the training device of this invention will encourage the desirable weight shift to the back leg. at the start of the swing, then will cause the necessary weight shift to the front leg during the forward stride and bat motion, climaxing at the point of impact of bat against ball.

Although the described apparatus and method of using the same according to the present invention has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable details, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention done by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention. 

1. A batting training device comprising: (a) a first rod section having a first end and a second end; (b) a second rod section operably connected at or near the first end of the first rod section approximately orthogonally to the first rod section; (c) a first indicator marker on the first rod section between the first end of the first rod section and the second end of the first rod section; (d) a second indicator marker on the first rod section for aligning a batter's lead foot between the first end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; (e) a third indicator marker on the first rod section for aligning a batter's trailing foot between the second end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; and (f) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section between the first indicator marker and the third indicator marker.
 2. The batting training device as set forth in claim 1, wherein one or more of the following are slidably connected to the first rod section: the first indicator marker, the second indicator marker, the third indicator marker, and the fourth indicator marker.
 3. The batting training device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the third indicator marker and the fourth indicator marker are slidably connected to the first rod section.
 4. The batting training device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third rod section operably connected approximately orthogonally to the second rod section at the end of the second rod section opposed to the end of the second rod section operably connected to the first rod section.
 5. The batting training device as set forth in claim 4, further comprising a fifth indicator marker on the third rod section for marking a limit on movement of a batter's leading foot during a swing.
 6. The batting training device as set forth in claim 5, wherein one or more of the first rod section, second rod section, or third rod section fiberglass or graphite.
 7. A batting training device comprising: (a) an axially hollow first rod section having a first end and a second end; (b) an axially hollow second rod section removably connected at or near the first end of the first rod section approximately orthogonally to the first rod section; (c) a first indicator marker on the first rod section between the first end of the first rod section and the second end of the first rod section; (d) a second indicator marker on the first rod section for aligning a batter's lead foot between the first end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; (e) a third indicator marker on the first rod section for aligning a batter's trailing foot between the second end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; (f) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section between the first indicator marker and the third indicator marker; and (g) one or more flexible chords extending through the first rod section and the second rod section, whereby the first rod section may be removed from the second rod section for disassembly and transportation.
 8. The batting training device as set forth in claim 7, wherein the first indicator marker is an axially hollow third rod section removably connected to the first rod section, and further comprising a flexible chord extending through the first rod section and the third rod section, whereby the third rod section may be removed from the first rod section for disassembly and transportation.
 9. The batting training device as set forth in claim 7, further comprising an axially hollow third rod section removably connected approximately orthogonally to the second rod section at the end of the second rod section opposed to the end of the second rod section operably connected to the first rod section, and further comprising a flexible chord extending through the second rod section and the third rod section, whereby the third rod section may be removed from the second rod section for disassembly and transportation.
 10. The batting training device as set forth in claim 7, further comprising an axially hollow fourth rod section removably connected approximately orthogonally to the second rod section at the end of the second rod section opposed to the end of the second rod section operably connected to the first rod section, and further comprising a flexible chord extending through the second rod section and the fourth rod section, whereby the fourth rod section may be removed from the second rod section for disassembly and transportation.
 11. The batting training device as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a fifth indicator marker on the fourth rod section for marking a limit on movement of a batter's leading foot during a swing.
 12. A method of training a batter to swing a baseball bat comprising: (a) positioning a batter having a center of gravity, a lead foot, and a trailing foot, over a baseball training device comprising: (i) a first rod section having a first end and a second end; (ii) a second rod section operably connected at or near the first end of the first rod section approximately orthogonally to the first rod section; (iii) a first indicator marker on the first rod section approximately from the first end of the first rod section and the second end of the first rod section; (iv) a second indicator marker on the first rod section between the first end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; (v) a third indicator marker on the first rod section between the second end of the first rod section and the first indicator marker; and (vi) a fourth indicator marker on the first rod section between the first indicator marker and the third indicator marker; (b) aligning the batter's center of gravity with the first indicator marker; (c) aligning the batter's lead foot with the second indicator marker; (d) aligning the batter's trailing foot with the third indicator marker; (e) beginning a swing at a baseball, wherein the batter's center of gravity moves backward no further than the fourth indicator marker; and (f) completing the swing wherein batter's lead foot moves no further than to the second rod section. 